Over the course of this semester the process of my research has provided me with many challenges and stressful nights. During this experiance I have learnt a lot about environmental economics and the ongoing global debate on its relevance and application. I have found the topic convoluted in both its economic research and politics.
My main challenges include navigating the plethora of conflicting research, finding relevant statistics and trying to maintain a non-bias approach so that my preferences do not interefere with the outcome, all within a limited time constraint.
In the scope of environmental economics, key indicators can be cherry picked to support certain economic theory over other conflicting theories. This is a direct result of a lack of relevant data and the complex nature of our modern economy. I have struggled to find conclusive support or opposition for the EKC and porter hypothesis as certain industries and regions will react differently to certain environmentally polices.
I have however discovered a lot about how governments implement environmental policy and perceive a greater understanding of the impacts of environmental regulation on the local and global economy.
The word of Dalla 